There is a pretty detailed discussion here about the correct color for the panels. You should find it if you search the terms "rocker panels" and "color." The consensus is that they are not supposed to be painted body color, but rather black or what some have said is a dark grey. Many pagoda rockers have been repainted to body or some other color though, including mine. Some prefer that, but my understanding is that this is not original, and never was. I think the idea during design was that black (dark grey?) made the car appear sleeker and not quite as "tubby."